title: [Dogs and health. A review of documented connections].
abstract: Companion dogs are widespread in western countries, and scientific studies have proved that dogs have a number of positive effects on human health and well-being. Studies have shown reduced systolic blood pressure in dog owners compared to non-owners, as well as lowered concentrations of plasma triglycerides and cholesterol. Studies have also shown improved survival rates following myocardial infarction in dog owners compared to non-owners. Companion dogs are used systematically in "animal assisted therapy" in various institutions and hospitals, both as specific treatment of a medical condition and to improve well-being in certain groups of patients. The reasons for the positive effects of dogs on human health are not clearly identified. The attachment between people and their pets ("the human-animal bond") seems to have important physiological and psychological effects. Companion dogs have been shown to increase physical activity and social contact, which may also influence human health.
authors.affiliation: Seksjon for allmennmedisin, Institutt for samfunnsmedisin, Universitetet i Bergen. Bernt.Larsen@nevro.uib.no
authors.forename: B A
authors.initials: BA
authors.lastname: Larsen
authors.forename: F
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Lingaas
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D000829:Animals, Domestic; D004285:Dogs; D006304:Health Status; D001841:Human-Animal Bond; D006801:Humans
vernacular_title: Hund og helse. En oversikt over dokumenterte sammenhenger.